The Science of Data About People

About the Journal

The International Journal of Population Data Science (IJPDS) is an electronic, open-access, peer-reviewed journal focussing on the science pertaining to population data.

It publishes articles on all aspects of research, development and evaluation connected with data about people and populations. These include:

Accessing distributed data

Analytical advances

Architectures and infrastructures

Capacity building

Delivering and measuring impact

Data and linkage quality

Epidemiology

Ethical, legal and societal implications (ELSI)

Legal and regulatory issues

Linking to emerging/complex data types

Outcomes-based research

Privacy-protection methodologies

Public involvement and engagement

Service evaluations

Technological advances in data storage and management

Using big data

The creation of the IJPDS was inspired by the International Population Data Linkage Network (IPDLN). The journal has a regular section for topics of particular interest to the IPDLN sub-edited by the Director(s) of the network.

Follow this link to check whether your organisation is in receipt of RCUK open access block funding 2019.

(*RCUK includes AHRC, EPSRC, ESRC, MRC, NERC, NC3Rs and STFC)

Tracking Impact

At IJPDS we value research that truly impacts society. We are uniquely committed to connecting academia with the public and keeping them informed of exciting new research as it unfolds.

Working to bridge the gap between academic research and the public

The IJPDS' innovative model brings a new dimension to the traditional academic journal format by informing the public of the latest research and providing authors opportunities for direct impact and even greater visibility.

Engage directly with the public for maximum impact via The Conversation

In the field of Population Data Science, arguably the most important audience for your work are the ultimate beneficiaries, the public. This is where IJPDS authors can create the greatest impact of all.

To help authors disseminate the complex content of manuscripts published in IJPDS to this audience, we offer a service through The Conversation, which is an influential and independent channel for research news and views. Articles selected from the academic and research community for publishing in The Conversation are delivered directly to the public in an easy to understand general reader format, prepared by the authors from their original published manuscript.

The Conversation is truly international with Editors based in the UK, Australia, US, Africa and France, that are working with more than 55,000 specialist scholars and researchers. It is a not-for-profit, open access educational entity that provides a free on-line resource to help provide the public with clarity and insight into society's biggest problems.

Watch this video to find out how Emily Marchant, PhD Researcher from Swansea University, benefited from writing for The Conversation, or follow this link to find out more about The Conversation and to see previously published articles.

Why impact matters

The importance of impact beyond the world of academia cannot be underestimated. The ability to demonstrate the contribution of your research to and its influence on society

is essential to securing future funding in an increasingly competitive market

aids career progression through e.g. REF, University KPIs, PDRs and other HEIs

helps develop your profile as a researcher specialising in a particular area

aids networking and future collaboration

has the potential to influence public policy

The Conversation can help IJPDS authors to achieve essential impact. Articles are disseminated to more than 22,000 sites worldwide, giving a global reach of 35 million readers a month, and The Conversation is a primary resource for up-to-the-minute content for the press, web, radio and TV.

Put simply, The Conversation unlocks the knowledge of researchers and academics allowing for better understanding of complex issues and a better quality of public discourse and conversations.

How to write for The Conversation

We encourage every author that publishes a manuscript in IJPDS to take full advantage of the service offered through The Conversation. As soon as your manuscript is published, we will contact you by email offering you the possibility of writing an article for The Conversation.

For authors wanting to take advantage of this service, we will forward your published manuscript* to IJPDS' designated Editor at The Conversation who will review the suitability of the content. Successful applicants will then be introduced directly to the Editor who will work closely with them to create the finished article.

*This service is available for manuscripts that undergo a full peer-review process with IJPDS

Readership - Reaching the Right Audience

IJPDS benefits from an established specialist global audience spanning six continents within the field of population data science through its strategic partner, the International Population Data Linkage Network (IPDLN). We publish articles from around the world in order to highlight how the field of population data science is impacting societies globally.

IJPDS publishes research of interest to a number of sectors including:

Our established readership spans a broad spectrum of specialist areas within population data science. Here is an example of the types of experts included in the Journal's readership:

Government officials

The public

Regulators

Academics (scholars, researchers, students)

Information governance professionals

Data Scientists

Statisticians

Epidemiologists and public health workers

Social scientists

Technologists (computer and information sciences)

Public Engagement professionals

Media

The IJPDS has a particular interest in engaging with the public, the ultimate beneficiaries of population data science research, which sets us apart from other scientific journals.

We value research within the field of population data science that truly impacts society and are uniquely committed to connecting academia with the public to keep them informed of exciting new research as it unfolds.

Whilst we are committed to keeping our APCs competitively priced for our authors, we must ensure the sustainability of IJPDS by covering all costs associated with the open access publishing process, from initial submission through to final publication and promotional activities.

Therefore, we will only ever charge what is necessary for the welfare of the journal and the satisfaction of its contributing authors.

Publishing Datasets

Sharing the data that accompanies your published research is a positive growing trend for the research community. Whilst we recognise that it is not always possible to share all data openly for ethical or confidentiality reasons, IJPDS encourages the sharing of non-sensitive raw data along with details of the software used wherever possible.

Why Share Research Data?

Benefits to the research community – Datasets are valuable to the research community and re-use of data avoids duplication of effort and the associated costs. This, in turn, can stimulate further research.

Benefits to the public – Stimulating further research through data sharing wherever possible is in the public’s interest as it can help accelerate the pace of research and its subsequent impact.

Satisfying Funders – Research funders are increasingly stipulating the sharing of data as a requirement. For example, in the UK, RCUK require the inclusion of a statement on data availability within academic papers. For full guidance see: RCUK Common Principles on Data Policy

Increase research impact – Publishing your data is not only a good way of demonstrating that you were the first to conduct the research, but if your data is re-used, then you will benefit from citations in addition to the accompanying article.

IJPDS would like to present a call for research articles for a special issue on ‘Population Data Centre Profiles’. Our overriding aim is to foster new opportunities for international collaborations in Population Data Science. Having a published profile of the data centre is an excellent way to document the work, raise awareness, share expertise and act as the seminal paper for future reference.

Open Calls

Call for new submissions

IJPDS is now accepting new submissions and publishes on a continual basis. To submit a manuscript, you will be asked to register. IJPDS accepts a wide variety of manuscript types. Please refer to the author guidelines for the full list.

Tick the boxes to receive updates that are relevant to you:

IJPDS communications such as special offers, new products or services and customer surveys

Other useful information such as PDS news, 'hints and tips' for publishing, funding updates

By subscribing you are giving consent for IJPDS to keep you updated by email. Your details will be held in MailChimp and IJPDS will not share your personal data with any third party organisations. By signing up, I agree to the use of my personal data as explained in the IJPDS privacy notice.